Just watched a debate on the NHS, as another poster said the figures involved are frightening. Screening programmes increase the numbers going through the system as do GPs who now routinely demand blood and urine tests. I sense a real fear among people to advocate change despite the costs involved, but more importantly despite unnecessary treatments given to people when they have been irresponsible. I think the only way you can address those who take the service for granted is to raise NI contributions but to discount those who look after their health by living a more healthy lifestyle. The sight of fat forty something's riding mobility scooters, not because arthritis or some other medical condition has inflicted this but because they have pursued a wantonly rubbish lifestyle is becoming more commonplace.
And finally do GPs monitor properly the drugs they hand out to our ageing population or are we doomed to carrying a suitcase of tablets wherever we go in our final years?